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Comparing Romance In Water And The Epic Gilgamesh

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Controlled Life Lacking Romance Generally, we think of romance as an emotional attraction between two people. The idea and/or rules of romance can change simply because of our cultural surroundings. In the 21st century, what is acceptable in the world of romance has changed quite a great deal. This paper will reflect how friendship is more powerful than romance in the film “Water” and” The Epic Gilgamesh”. Deepa Mehta gives the audience a glimpse at romance and/or lack of it in 1930s life in India. The film “Water” allows the audience to see how widows are treated. It tells of the life of Chuyia, an eight-year-old widow. We have to keep in mind that it isn’t uncommon for parents to marry their daughters off at an early age. …show more content…
While they suffer from what amounts to lifetime imprisonment, they still find ways not only to offer each other comfort and support, but occasionally to enjoy some fun as well, as in a religious celebration when they doll up and dance, the matron even joining in (after all, she too is a widow who has little choice but to be here). All the women are mentally, spiritually and emotionally strong but made choices regardless of their fate. What these women endured made me realized that we take granted some of our choices, love friendship and romance. The Epic of Gilgamesh speaks of the use of love more as a control mechanism than romance.
Even though sexuality is presented as an important transformational force, the theme of platonic friendship and love ultimately is the more profound relationship in the story. Some scholars have seen homoerotic qualities in Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s relationship, and others feel there is no direct evidence of this in the text. Their relationship is based on a very close friendship rather a one of a romantic nature. Their friendship is presented as the most vital relationship in the epic. Enkidu and Gilgamesh balance one another and help each other find inner harmony by drawing on each other’s strengths and

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